Male breast reduction surgery addresses excess tissue and fat that causes an enlarged, feminine chest. This condition affects many men and often doesn’t improve with diet or exercise. The outpatient procedure combines liposuction and tissue removal to create a firmer, flatter, more masculine chest.
Dr. Beth Collins, with double board certification, fellowship training in body contouring, and 25+ years of experience, understands how this condition affects self-esteem. She focuses on minimizing scarring while providing results that help men feel confident in their appearance again.
Before / After Gallery
From soft, feminine contours to a strong, masculine chest, this change isn’t just about looks, it’s about confidence. Our before-and-after photos show men who’ve gone from hiding in clothes to embracing their athletic body with pride. Dr. Collins shapes natural, defined chests by removing excess tissue and preserving muscle tone for results that look real, balanced, and powerful.
Treatable Areas
- Excess glandular breast tissue beneath the nipple-areola complex
- Fatty deposits throughout the chest wall and sides​
- Enlarged or puffy areolas requiring reduction and repositioning
- Asymmetry between left and right chest sides
Chest contour irregularities affecting muscle definition visibility​ - Lower chest fold excess creating a breast-like appearance
- Excess skin following significant weight loss (when applicable)​
How Gynecomastia Surgery Works
The surgery is tailored to the cause of enlarged chest tissue, whether it’s mostly fat or glandular tissue. For mostly fatty cases, liposuction uses small incisions along natural chest lines. An instrument removes fat to shape the chest and enhance muscle definition.
Dense glandular tissue requires direct removal through small incisions near the areola. This carefully removes the tissue under the nipple while preserving sensation and appearance. If the areolas are stretched or pointed, their size can be adjusted.
Combining liposuction and glandular removal often provides the best results. The procedure takes about one to two hours under anesthesia, and patients go home the same day with a helper. A compression vest is worn for two weeks to reduce swelling and support healing.
Whether you need surgical precision, metabolic wellness, or non-surgical refinement, we look at the big picture. Let’s design a unified treatment plan that addresses your health and beauty under one roof.
Results You’ll Love
- A flat, firm, masculine chest that reflects your fitness level and true physique​
- Freedom to go shirtless at beaches, pools, and gyms without self-consciousness​
- Improved muscle definition as excess tissue no longer obscures your pectoral contours​
- Confidence wearing fitted t-shirts, dress shirts, and athletic wear without embarrassment
- Permanent correction of enlarged breasts when you maintain stable weight
- Relief from the psychological burden and body image issues gynecomastia creates​
- Minimal, strategically placed scars that fade and become virtually undetectable over time​
- The ability to participate fully in physical activities without discomfort or hesitation​
Are You a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
- You have persistent enlarged male breasts that haven’t improved with weight loss or exercise
- Your chest enlargement causes embarrassment, limits your clothing choices, or affects self-esteem​
- You avoid activities like swimming or going shirtless due to your chest appearance
- Hormonal changes during puberty never resolved, leaving you with permanent breast tissue​
- You’ve reached a stable, healthy weight and are committed to maintaining it
- You’re in good overall health and don’t smoke, or are willing to quit before surgery
- You’ve ruled out medical causes or discontinued medications contributing to the condition​
- You have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes and understand this is permanent correction
Why Choose The Collins Center
- Fellowship-trained body contouring specialist with expertise in chest wall surgery. Dr. Collins completed advanced training at Emory University: one of the nation’s premier plastic surgery programs, mastering the precision techniques male breast reduction demands.
- Double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of surgical experience. Dr. Collins’ extensive background includes performing body contouring procedures weekly, developing the refined judgment that ensures optimal masculine chest contours.
- Nationally recognized educator teaching surgical excellence to physicians nationwide. Dr. Collins speaks at the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Women’s Plastic Surgery Conference, demonstrating her command of advanced surgical techniques.
- Clinical instructor at Yale committed to patient safety and evidence-based care. Her academic role reflects the medical community’s recognition of her surgical skill and dedication to the highest safety standards.​
- Compassionate care philosophy that understands the emotional impact of physical concerns. Dr. Collins recognizes that gynecomastia affects far more than appearance: it impacts confidence, relationships, and quality of life, and she treats each patient with the empathy this deserves.​
FAQs about Gynecomastia Surgery
What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia results from hormonal imbalances, certain medications, weight gain, genetics, or unknown factors. During puberty, temporary breast enlargement is common and often resolves naturally, but for many men the condition persists into adulthood. Bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids and marijuana users also experience higher rates of gynecomastia. Dr. Collins will help identify any underlying causes during your consultation.
How long does recovery take after male breast reduction?
Men usually return to desk work and light exercise within a week. Wear a compression vest for about two weeks, then continue wearing it at night for a few more weeks to help heal. Avoid heavy lifting and chest exercises for four to six weeks. Swelling and bruising usually disappear in one to two weeks.
Will the results of gynecomastia surgery be permanent?
Yes, the glandular tissue and fat removed during surgery will not return, making your results permanent provided you maintain stable weight. Significant weight gain, steroid use, or certain medications could potentially cause recurrence. For most men who maintain healthy habits, the masculine chest contours achieved through surgery last a lifetime.
Where will my scars be located?
Incision placement varies. Liposuction needs tiny, nearly invisible incisions in chest creases. For glandular tissue excision, Dr. Collins places incisions along the areola’s lower border, blending with natural color. Meticulous closure minimizes scarring.
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
Generally, insurance considers male breast reduction cosmetic and does not provide coverage. However, if your gynecomastia causes physical symptoms like pain or skin irritation, or results from a documented medical condition, some insurance plans may offer partial coverage. Our team can help you explore your specific coverage options during consultation.
Can gynecomastia surgery be combined with other procedures?
Many men choose to combine gynecomastia surgery with abdominal liposuction or love handle contouring to achieve comprehensive body transformation in one surgical session. Dr. Collins will discuss which combination procedures align with your goals and can be safely performed together.
Will I be able to build chest muscle after gynecomastia surgery?
Yes. Once healed, you’ll be able to work out and build pectoral muscle normally—in fact, many men find their chest workouts more motivating post-surgery because they can finally see the muscle definition they’re developing. Removing excess tissue allows your natural chest musculature to become visible and defined.
Stop hiding and start living fully in the body you deserve. Contact The Collins Center in Guilford or Mystic, CT to schedule your confidential consultation with Dr. Collins today.
